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Stem cell research. Researcher holding a phial of corneal epithelial tissue, containing stem cells, that is ready for transplant into a patient to treat diseased or damaged corneas. Stem cells are pluripotent, they are able to differentiate into any of the cell types of the body. Stem cell differentiation can be initiated in the laboratory by the use of biochemical growth factors. Stem cells are a potential source of cells to repair damaged human tissue.